Local drivers can make any number of mistakes when traveling alongside motorcyclists. They can change lanes on the Sunset Highway without checking their blind spot for a rider. They can put an entire SUV-length obstacle in front of an oncoming rider by making a left-hand turn without the proper attention.
These lapses in judgment put motorcyclists at risk of being forced off a bike and sustaining a devastating injury. In many cases, a reckless driver is held liable for the recovery costs the motorcyclist must face. But unfortunately, uninsured drivers still travel Spokane roads, and often leave victims without help when they are hurt in a crash.
Fortunately, there are still ways for motorcyclists to get recovery help, even when an irresponsible motorist causes a collision.
Uninsured Motorist Dangers in Spokane
Local drivers on busy routes like I-90 and Division may feel that most people on the road have proper coverage in case of an accident. Unfortunately, Washington is one of the states with the biggest uninsured drivers problems in the U.S.
On the Insurance Information Institute’s (iii) list of worst states for uninsured drivers, Washington ranked 10th. In 2023, our state has an estimated 19.1% of all drivers racing around without coverage. That compares negatively to the 15.4% of drivers traveling the nation’s roads without insurance in 2023.
It’s an epidemic in many states, including Washington. These accidents leave hundreds of people injured, without a drivable car, and little chance to hold an uninsured driver responsible for what happened.
Injured victims may be left with serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and neck or back injuries. They may have hospital bills piling up while being unable to go into work to earn a paycheck.
What Are My Options After a Car Accident Caused by an Uninsured Driver?
If a driver can’t show proof of car insurance after a collision, that driver could receive a citation and face a $550 fine. If the motorist caused the accident and can’t pay for the damages caused, a suspension of the driver’s license may be assessed. That’s according to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Unfortunately, this criminal punishment won’t help the victims of a motorcycle accident, who may be dealing with doctor bills and repair shop invoices.
A lawsuit could be filed against the driver, but a driver who doesn’t have car insurance likely doesn’t have a lot of assets that could help victims with their financial hardships.
Fortunately, most motorcyclists are covered if they are struck by a motorist without coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Washington, but it’s included in most auto insurance policies unless riders specifically reject it. A motorcyclist would need to submit a written statement to take off coverage for Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) accidents.
Using Uninsured Motorist Insurance After a Spokane Accident
After an accident in which it was clear that an at-fault driver wasn’t protected by insurance, victims could file an accident claim with their own motorcycle insurance provider.
This claim could earn them help with their recovery costs. The coverage would usually be the same as the minimum insurance liability coverage for all Washington drivers and motorcyclists.
- $25,000 for injury or death to one victim
- $50,000 for injury or death to multiple victims
- $10,000 for vehicle damage
There are some other benefits to carrying UI and UIM protection on your car or motorcycle insurance:
- UI and UIM provide protection even if you are a pedestrian or on a bicycle when you are struck.
- UI Insurance protects motorcyclists who are struck by hit-and-run drivers. If the at-fault driver is never identified, riders can get help through a claim with their own insurer.
- Underinsured coverage helps you if the at-fault driver has car insurance with very low coverage limits.
Underinsured motorist protection helps if you receive the maximum in support from the driver’s car insurance, but it’s not enough to cover all of your medical bills and other hardships.
Motorcyclists can file a UIM claim and receive help with some or all of their remaining recovery bills.
What Does an Uninsured Motorist Policy Cover After a Motorcycle Accident?
Victims will need to seek as much in compensation as possible because with some injuries, it’s impossible to know if an injured motorcyclist will require help in the years ahead when an injury flares back up.
These are just some of the damages a Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer would demand on your behalf:
- Support for all medical bills
- Lifetime support if you suffer a permanent disability
- Support for the time you lose at work and the paychecks you may have to forfeit in the future
- Help with repair costs or the replacement of a damaged motorcycle
In some cases, an Uninsured motorist claim would also cover non-economic damages the rider endured. This might include additional support for the pain that’s endured and may become chronic for victims. It could include support for the emotional trauma caused by an accident. This might involve the changes in enjoyment in life a victim suffers, such as the inability to ride a motorcycle again.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Motorcycle Accident Caused by an Uninsured Driver?
Just because you are dealing with your own car insurance company, it doesn’t mean you should count on fair treatment. Your insurance agent can still work to limit the support you receive.
If you suffer serious injuries in your motorcycle accident, having a lawyer can help protect your claim.
You may need an attorney to help you when an insurance company tries to blame you for what happened, or questions how much medical care you’ll need. They may attempt to imply that your injuries were preexisting. Two motorcyclists with the same injuries can receive very different levels of support.
Your lawyer can often secure much more in a settlement for you than you could hope to secure by filing a claim yourself.
- Fully investigates the accident and collects evidence so the blame can’t be shifted to you
- Checks for other at-fault parties that might contribute to your recovery costs, such as other drivers and even Spokane transportation officials who may have created unsafe conditions
- Files your claim for you while allowing you to focus on healing and getting back on a motorcycle
- Negotiates for the most in your accident settlement so you aren’t left to pay some of your own medical bills
- Examines your UI and UIM policy to make sure you are receiving the full benefits you pay for
Contact a Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you are unsure if you need a lawyer, there’s a no-risk way to determine your best options. Contact us and set up a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help you determine the best and fastest path to getting support, even if the person at fault turns out to be uninsured. We can also help you support your case with the strongest evidence to make sure insurance companies are held accountable.
If you need our help, you don’t need any money to hire CCD Law. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. If your case is unsuccessful, we don’t earn anything. If we win, our attorney’s fee comes out of the settlement that a car insurance company is forced to pay you.